The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has announced that the Blue Card concussion notification will be implemented in the 2024/25 season for Kenya Cup, KRU Championship, and Nationwide leagues.
According to a recent memo from the KRU’s Training and Education Department, the Blue Card aims to enhance players’, spectators’, and officials’ awareness of concussion management.
Blue Card in Kenya Cup
Under the Blue Card Concussion System, referees are empowered to decide, even without medical input, if a player should be removed from the game due to a concussion or suspected concussion.
Kabras RFC receive Kenya Cup trophy. PHOTO/Clarence Majani
According to rugby regulations, if a player is confirmed or suspected to be concussed, they must be immediately and permanently removed from the field. Known as the “Recognise and Remove” process, this protocol aligns with the existing Laws of the Game and Concussion Regulations.
In the 2024/25 campaign, Blue Card will act as a visible indicator that a player has been identified with a concussion or suspected concussion, prompting their immediate exit from the game.
This will mark the first step in the concussion management process, signalling that the player must follow the ‘Graduated Return To Play’ (GRTP) procedure before resuming full-contact practice or competition.
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This new visual cue shows KRU’s commitment to player welfare, highlighting its ongoing dedication to concussion safety in rugby.
To support this initiative, the KRU has urged all clubs to conduct educational seminars led by World Rugby-accredited educators. These sessions will inform players about the new Blue Card system and the latest updates in concussion management.
Clubs will cover the costs of these seminars, which will include an overview of the new laws. Players have been reminded of mandatory online certification courses in Rugby Ready, Laws of the Game, First Aid in Rugby, Concussion Management for the General Public, Keep Rugby Clean, Tackle Ready, and Breakdown Ready.
“All clubs are requested to organise an educational seminar for their players. The seminar will be conducted by World Rugby-accredited educators registered under the KRU training and educational department. Clubs are expected to cover the costs of the educators. The session will cover important information about the new developments in the law and the FTF courses that players need to be aware of. We hope that these additions to the Laws of the Game will not be confusing as they are practices you already follow,” the memo stated.
Kenya Cup players’ courses
The KRU also emphasized that completing these certification courses will enhance player skills, coaching quality, and overall league competition.
KCB vs Mwamba in a Kenya Cup encounter. Photo Courtesy/Denis Acre-half
Team managers are required to submit the certifications of each player to the competition department before the season begins. While mandatory for elite Kenya Cup and Championship levels, the KRU encourages all players to complete these courses regularly.
In the National 7s Circuit a number of players were restricted from participating in tournaments until they complete the Graduated Return to Play (GRTP) protocols, following injuries as a way of improving their welfare.
